Are you looking for ways to deepen your relationship with your four-legged friend? Thankfully, it doesn’t require grand gestures for that to happen. With attention and love, the little things often mean the most to our pets. Caring for your pet by supplying all their basic needs indicates that you already have an irreplaceable bond with them. However, improving that relationship goes a long way in ensuring they live their best lives.
So to help you have a better and more positive relationship with your pet dog, we’ve prepared a few guidelines you can follow.
How to Have a Better Relationship With Your Dog
Whether it’s a pup or an adult dog that’s been with you for many years, there are simple things you can do to further enrich the relationship between you and them. Here are five tips to get you started:
1. Keep Your Cool
Patience and consistency are vital when developing a bond with your pet. It can be discouraging and irritating when your pet does not understand what you’re telling them to do, especially if you’ve been repeating yourself numerous times. However, yelling at them might only worsen the situation. Pets can be sensitive to your emotions and feelings, so if you lose your temper, they might feel uneasy too. When you remain calm and confidently lead them to what you want them to do, you’re also telling your pet they can always rely on you.
2. Understand Their Body Language
While dogs might not speak the same language as us, they can interact with us through their body language. Like people, dogs also have good days and bad. So learning how to read their body language can significantly help you connect with them. Knowing when they are relaxed, stressed, or excited can help you adjust your behavior to interact with them better.
Being sensitive and attentive to the signs they are showing also helps you be proactive in knowing how they feel. For example, if they’re feeling under the weather and are showing signs of sickness, you can immediately take them to the vet for a checkup. You may visit websites like https://www.wellesleynatickveterinaryhospital.com/site/veterinary-services-natick/cat-dog-routine-exams for more information on why you shouldn’t skip vet visits.
3. Exercise Together
Getting exercise is always a plus for dogs and humans. Furthermore, it can be a great way to bond when done side-by-side. However, you should choose an activity suited to your pet’s breed and energy level. Dog breeds that have high energy levels and can handle endurance can benefit from learning how to run alongside you while biking. But if your canine is a short-nosed breed, out-of-shape, or in senior age, a walk in the park or community can be a great routine.
When exercising with your pet, always practice caution and safety. If you notice unusual movements, fractures, or signs of limping in your pet while running or walking, stop the activity immediately and take them to a veterinary surgeon to be examined. If you’re looking for animal surgeons, you can search for “veterinary surgeon near me” for specific results.
4. Teach Them to Socialize
If your pup is still learning, teaching them to be comfortable in various situations is important. Taking your pet to dog parks or socialization classes helps them get used to other dogs and different sounds. Also, knowing you’re always there for them to get them through this development phase will further improve your bond. However, the best time to socialize your pup is when they have completed three shots of core vaccines and one booster shot. This protects your pet from deadly viral pet diseases like parvo and distemper.
Keeping your pet’s vaccinations and parasite prevention up-to-date lowers their risk of contracting dangerous conditions and gives you peace of mind. So if your pet still does not have the essential preventative treatments, take them to the vet for an appointment. You may browse the web to see how cat and dog vaccinations help.
5. Give Them One-On-One Attention
One-on-one quiet time and touch are helpful bonding tools to interact and express your attention and love for your pet. Allotting a cuddle time with your dog while you’re resting on the bed or chilling on the couch is a relaxing way to bond with them. Physical contact creates a sense of comfort and safety that lets your pets know they’re a true part of your pack.
Final Thoughts
Humans and dogs can deeply enrich each other’s lives. Through bonding with your dog, you can fill their days with fulfillment, happiness, and health. Making your dog feel they belong to your family and that you care for them equally can help bring them closer to you, making you and your dog a solid duo.